Self-assembly of subnanometer-diameter single-wall MoS2 nanotubes.

We report on the synthesis, structure, and self-assembly of single-wall subnanometer-diameter molybdenum disulfide tubes. The nanotubes are up to hundreds of micrometers long and display diverse self-assembly properties on different length scales, ranging from twisted bundles to regularly shaped "furry" forms. The bundles, which contain interstitial iodine, can be readily disassembled into individual molybdenum disulfide nanotubes.